Fusion fight back for win

Ventura overcomes an early goal from Bryan Byrne

Ventura County Fusion's Callum Riley, left, and Doxa Italia's Alex Bengard go after the ball during the first round of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night at the Ventura College Sportsplex.

Bryan Byrne knew he was back in Ventura from the sights and sounds.

Especially the sounds.

"It was nice to hear Ole yelling on the sidelines again," said Byrne.

Although, Fusion coach Ole Mikkelsen was yelling about the former Fusion winger rather than at him Tuesday night, when Byrne threatened the Fusion's aspirations in the U.S. Open Cup with an early goal.

But the fifth-minute opener only served to jump-start the Fusion, who responded with three unanswered goals to top visiting Doxa Italia, 3-1, in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup at the Ventura College Sportsplex.

"We fought back and showed a little character," said Mikkelsen.

With the first Open Cup win in franchise history, the Fusion advance to host Los Angeles Blues, who beat Hollywood United 3-1, in the second round Tuesday.

"There's another first," said Mikkelsen.

One year after going out on penalty kicks to the Arizona Sahuaros in the first round, the Fusion were forced to respond against a Southern California-based amateur side packed with retired professionals.

"They were certainly no slouch team," said central defender Dillon Barna. "They had guys constantly circling in from midfield. I wouldn't say we figured it out, but we were able to slow them down."

The veterans took the lead through the hustle of Byrne, who lost a race to the ball with Sam Hayden, but won the battle when the Fusion goalkeeper drove his clearance off Byrne and into the gaping net.

Mikkelsen labeled him "The Ghost of Soccer Past."

"Byrnie is that type of player," said Mikkelsen. "He works hard You expect that type of effort from him."

The Fusion equalized just after the half-hour mark, when midfielder Andy Rose slotted home a controversial penalty kick given when midfielder Jacob Hustedt was toppled while chasing an overhit cross in the Doxa penalty area."I don't mind getting a call like that," said Mikkelsen.

Like many of his teammates, Doxa midfielder Devon Toohey, the former Buena High and Moorpark College star, was mystified by the decision.

"It was just a game changer," said Toohey. "Heartbreaker. That broke our backs."

From there, the Fusion grabbed hold of the game, taking the lead two minutes before halftime when Hustedt dribbled to the byline and dragged a cross back for Mark Magee to slot home.

"That was a beautiful goal," said Mikkelsen.

A key insurance goal finally arrived in the 78th minute, when Hayden's boot sailed between a Doxa defender and goalie, presenting substitute Reed Williams with an uncontested breakaway.

Doxa Italia created plenty of chances, but they were wasted with some wayward finishing. And as the second half progressed, the Fusion's younger legs took over the match.

"We had a great start, but as the game goes on, your legs get tired and that's their game," said Toohey. "They're so young I'm dead. My calves are killing me."

After flying through qualifying 4-0, the Fusion needed to capitalize with a victory.

"We did the grunt work to get here," said Mikkelsen. "Now we need to make the most of it. The exposure you can get from this tournament can be very good for a career. It's in their grasp now."

Barna, who played for an AC St. Louis team that visited the Galaxy at the Home Depot Center in last year's Open Cup, knows how special a cup run can be.

"All the boys know that this is a tournament that can really help you progress in your career," said Barna. "There's really nothing like it.